When it’s legal (and when it isn’t) for Australians to fight in international conflicts

There is nothing legally stopping Australians from fighting for the Ukraine government, or the Russian government, either.

But the Ukrainian conflict is full of “grey areas” after a call for international volunteers to join Ukraine’s armed forces triggered talks in Canberra.

Australians are being urged not to join the war, with fears extremists could return to radicalise others.

International law expert, Dr Rowan Nicholson, told Tom Elliott said citizens were free to fight for other recognised governments.

“This law doesn’t distinguish between Ukraine and Russia,” he said.

But it would be illegal to join a guerilla group, while a new foreign legion for international volunteers that has been assembled in Ukraine fell under a grey area.

Press PLAY below to hear Dr Rowan Nicholson explain when it’s legal to fight in a foreign conflict

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